They sang, they did some dance routines (including a couple of acrobatics) and they used sign language to tell the story of The Polar Express. It is a tale of doubting children who board a magical train on Christmas Eve for a ride to the North Pole to meet and renew their belief in Santa Claus.
About 150 primary students performed to over 300 parents, grandparents, other family members and friends on Dec. 15 at Raft River Elementary School. The nine classes in the production included students from Kindergarten to Grade 4. The activities displayed in the performance are part of the reading, performing arts and humanities curricula for these age groups.
It was a simple presentation with a touching message – the wonders of childhood will always live for those who truly believe. Costumes consisted of pajamas for pretty much everybody except Billy Biagioni, who portrayed the conductor. All of the students formed a mass choir for the opening numbers, and then separated into class groups to perform their own songs before coming back together for the finale. Principal Mike Bowden narrated the story and all of the songs were sung to recorded accompaniment.
The Polar Express is an award-winning book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsberg, who also wrote Jumanji. Both have been made into movies.
The students in this area are on Christmas break from Dec. 16 until Jan. 3.
– Grant Gale
